Positively operated stripping device for cameras

ABSTRACT

A stripping mechanism for separating photographic prints from transporting carriers and processing materials in film units of the self-processing type. After processing, movement of the film units through the mechanism effects translation of a stripping member from an inoperative position to an operative position, thereby forcing the print away from engagement with the carrier.

United States Patent Kindig [54] POSITIVELY, OPERATED STRIPPING DEVICE FOR CAMERAS [72] Inventor: Guilford Edwin Kindig, Rochester,

[73] Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company,

Rochester, NY.

[22] Filed: July 2, 1971 [2]] Appl. No.: 159,321

[52 us. 01 .....9s/13 [51] Int. Cl. ..G03b 17/52 [58] Field of Search ..95/l3, 14; 152/584 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,589,904 6/1971 Chen ..95/l3 X [4 1 Oct. 24, 1972 1/1969 Hodgson et a] ..95/l 3 5/1969 Brown et al ..95/l4 X Primary Examiner-John M. Horan Assistant ExaminerAlan A. Mathews Attorney-W. H. J. Kline et a1.

[57] ABSTRACT 16 Claims, 19 Drawing Figures PATENTEDucI 24 I972 SHEET 1 0F 6 11/ III I GUILFORD E KIND/G INVENTOR.

rlllll ATTORNEYS SHEETZUFG GUILFORD E. KINDIG IN VENTOR.

ATTORNEYS PATENTEDUBT 24 m2 saw war 6 GUILFORD E. KINDIG INVENTQR.

ATTORNEYS PATENTEDHBIM I972 3,699,862

' sum 5 OF 6 GUILFORD E. KINDIG INVENTOR.

ATTORNEYS PATENTED B 24 I372 3,699,882

sum 6 or 6 A T THDAIC VQ POSITIVELY OPERATED STRIPPING DEVICE FOR CAMERAS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to processing cameras adapted for use with film units of the type including an image-recording element supported on a carrier, and more particularly to means for separating the imagerecording element from the carrier after processing of each unit has been initiated.

It is well known in the photographic arts to provide film units with materials for processing the units immediately after their exposure. Generally, such units include an image-recording portion defined by a photosensitive element and a process sheet. The photosensitive element supports one or more layers of radiation-sensitive material, for recording a latent image, and the process sheet is registered with the photosensitive element for aiding in the processing of that image to establish a visible print. A viscous processing composition is supplied to the imagerecording portion at one end, and is spread toward the other end by passing the unit between juxtaposed pressure applying members to distribute the composition in a'layer of predetermined thickness between the element and sheet. The distributed composition then permeates the radiation-sensitive layers to effect their processing and the related construction of a visible image in a mordant layer.

In a presently popular commercial film unit, generally referred to as being of a peel-apart type, the photosensitive and process sheets are spaced apart during exposure and are superimposed for processing. The image-or print-receiving layer is in the process sheet, and that sheet is stripped from the rest of the unit after processing to provide a positive right-reading print. Such film units are disclosed, for example, in US. Pats. Nos. 3,080,805 and 3,51 1,659. 7

The present invention is concerned with different types of units, generally referred to as being preregistered or integral. The photosensitive and process sheets of a preregistered image-recording unit are superposed or registered prior to exposure, while the same sheets of an integral unit are maintained permanently in superposed or registered relation during and after processing. More particularly, the present invention is disclosed in connection with a film unit comprising an image-recording portion that is both preregistered and integral. This type of unit includes photosensitive and process sheets that are superposed prior to exposure, and define a composite, permanently registered structure designed to remain substantially in the same physical form after processing. In presently known image-recording units of this type, the second element generally is transparent to permit exposure of the photosensitive materials through that side of the unit, and the mordant or print-receiving layer is located either in the process sheet or, preferably, in the photosensitive element. Specific details of these latter types of film unit are disclosed, for example, in commonly assigned US. Pat. Application Ser. No. 027,990, entitled PHOTOGRAPHIC FILM UNIT FOR DIFFU- SION TRANSFER PROCESSING, filed Apr. 13, 1970 in the name of H. E. Cole and now abandoned; and in French Pats. Nos. 2,006,255 and 2,006,256, published Dec. 26, 1969.

To facilitate handling and manipulation of the abovementioned film units, the image-recording portion can be coupled to a substantially rigid but slightly flexible plastic frame, that also carries a processing fluid pod and a trap, respectively, for supplying a processing composition to one end of the image-recording portion and for collecting any excess of the composition from the opposite end. The image-recording portion is releasably or strippably coupled to the frame, while the pod and trap are permanently attached thereto, such that the image-recording portion can'be separated from the other elements of the unit after processing has been initiated. Previously developed cameras with which such film units can be used include one or more stripping or skiving fingers that enter between the image-recording portion and the confronting surfaces of the frame to separate the recording portion from the frame and from the pod and trap. Examples of such film units and of the skiving or stripping fingers are disclosed, for example, in commonly assigned, copending US. Pat. Application Ser. No. 111,472, entitled STRIPPING MECHANISM, filed in the name of D. M.

Harvey on Feb. I 1971.

The aforementioned cameras, including their skiving or stripping fingers, operate satisfactorily for their intended purposes. To perform properly, however, such mechanisms generally demand accurate alignment of the frame relative to the stripping fingers to ensure that the latter properly enter beneath the frame and the image-recording portion. Although such alignment can be satisfactorily achieved, it requires relatively high degree of dimensional accuracy in both the camera components and the frame, and also tends to result in a somewhat delicate mechanism that can easily be damaged if it should fail to perform properly.

To avoid the difficulties just mentioned, a different type of stripping or separating mechanism is disclosed in my concurrently filed US. Pat. Application Ser. No. 159,320, entitled PRINT STRIPPING MECHANISM. In accordance with the invention disclosed in that application, a self-processing camera, adapted to use basically the same type of film unit, is provided with a stripper member that engages the image-recording portion through an aperture in the frame to press that portion out of engagement with the frame. The stripper member is spring-loaded toward its operative position and is adapted to be cammed to an inoperative position by the end of the frame as the latter is carried along a predetermined movement path by a reciprocable drawer, or the like. When the image-recording portion is engaged by the stripper member, the resilient force with which that member is urged toward the film unit causes the image-recording portion to separate from the frame. Because of the movement of the frame, such separation begins at one end of the recording portion and proceeds progressively toward its other end, while the separated portion of the recording portion is directed from the camera through an appropriate opening in the camera housing.

Because the spring-loaded stripper member is cammed out of its operative position to allow the end of the film unit to pass, the resilient force that can be applied to that member is limited by the strength and rigidity of the frame, or, more specifically, by the ability of relatively weak portions of the frame to transmit the required thrust without buckling or breaking. Accordingly, if the attachment of the image-recording portion to the frame should happen to be unusually strong, the stripper member may not be able to exert sufficient force on the recording portion to insure SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The principal object of the present invention is to improve the practicality and reliability of stripping mechanisms of the general type mentioned above.

Another object is to provide such a stripping mechanism that is translatable between operative and inoperative positions in properly timed coordination with the movement of a film unit through the mechanism.

Another object of the invention is to reduce the manual or mechanical effort required to operate the subject type of camera in effecting stripping or separation of the image-recording portion from its carrier.

Briefly, these and other related objectives are accomplished in accordance with the present invention by translating movement of the film unit, or its transporting mechanism, into movement of the stripper member between its stripping and non-stripping positions. In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, this movement of the stripper member is accomplished by cam surfaces of a movable transporting drawer thatare engaged by cam follower members on the stripper member to move the latter positively in proper coordination with the movement of the film unit- An alternative embodiment of the invention employs a pivotally mounted stripper member provided with an actuating member or finger that is positively engaged by the moving film unit to displace the stripper member to its operative position in proper coordination with the movement of the film unit. In either case, the force necessary to move the stripper member to its operative or stripping position is principally determined by the pressure required to initiate separation of the image-recording portion from the frame, thereby minimizing both the effort required to perform the stripping operation and the corresponding stresses imposed on the frame and the various components of the stripping mechanism.

.Various means for practicing the invention and other advantages and novel features thereof will be apparent from the detailed description of the preferred and alternative embodiments presented below, reference being made to the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals denote like elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the exposure face of an integral preregistered film unit of the type with which the present invention is concerned;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the film unit shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, taken along line 33 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional end elevational view of the film unit shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, taken along line 4--4 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective viewof a film pack casing adapted to receive a plurality of film units of the type shown in FIGS. 1 through 4;

FIG. 6 is a perspective front view of an illustrative camera comprising the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a partially cross-sectioned plan view of the camera shown in FIG. 6, taken along line 7-7 of FIG.

FIG. 9 corresponds to FIG. 8 but is taken along line 99 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the reverse face of the film unit shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 corresponds to FIGS. 8 and 9 but is taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view, partially cut away, of

the cameras frame transporter or drawer removed from the camera housing;

FIG. 12 corresponds to a portion of FIG. 7 and shows the camera drawer in open position;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the cam actuated stripper member before it com mences to separate an image-recording unit from a film unit frame;

FIG. 14 corresponds to FIG. 13 but depicts the stripper member during the separation of the image recording unit from the frame;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a lever-actuated stripper member according to an alternate embodiment or the invention; and

FIGS. 16 through 19 are somewhat'schematic side elevational views corresponding generally to FIGS. 13 and 14 and showing the operation of the stripper member illustrated in FIG. 15.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTSto persons THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT By reference to FIGS. 1 through 4 of the drawings, a typical preregistered integral film unit 21 of the type described above will be seen to comprise a frame 22; an image-recording unit 23, including a photosensitive element or first sheet 24 and a process sheet or second element 25; a processing fluid pod 26; and a trap or collector cover 27. The frame 22 is preferably made of an opaque, generally rigid plastic material, and includes two side rails 28 joining trap bar 29 and pod support bar 31 at the respective ends of the frame. As disclosed in the above-identified US. Pat. Application Ser. No. l 1 1,472, the faces of the frame can also include mating longitudinal ribs and recesses which cooperate in an assemblage of stacked film units to allow only longitudinal sliding motion between those units, and to provide a light seal along the edges of the assemblage. For purposes of the present disclosure, however, such cooperating ribs and recesses have been omitted from the illustrative film units inasmuch as that feature is not necessary to practicing or understanding the present invention.

As described in greater detail in U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 111,472, the two sheets 24 and 25 of the 1 image-recording portion preferably are rectangular and coextensive with one another, and may be maintained in registered or superposed facing relation by any appropriate seal or connection. Regardless of the particular type of seal or connection or its particular manner of application, the two sheets are secured substantially in direct contacting relation to each other at lateral marginal edge portions in such a manner that the central areas of the sheets can be separated sufficiently to permit the distribution of a processing composition therebetween. Similarly, the two sheets are resiliently separable from one another at the leading and trailing ends 32 and 33 of the image-recording portion to permit the introduction of the processing composition between the leading ends of the sheets, and the collection of any excess composition from between the trailing ends of the sheets.

As best shown in FIG. 4, the side rails of the frame are notched along their reverse faces to provide recessed support surfaces 34 to which the marginal edges of the image-recording portion are secured, preferably by a separable adhesive material. Beyond the leading end of the image-recording unit, as shown in FIG. 3, the reverse face of the frame defines a shallow compartment 35 that accommodates the processing fluid pod 26. The pod may include various cooperating parts which define a suitable processing composition supplying mechanism, and preferably includes a rupturable containing part 36 generally comprising a rectangular sheet of a vapor-impervious material that is folded along its leading end 37 and secured by sealing or closing along its sides 38. The trailing end 39 of the pod is provided along substantially its entire length with a rupturable seal adapted to release a processing fluid composition 41 from the container upon the application of hydraulic forces generated by passing the container between a pair of juxtaposed pressure-applying members, as described below. The containing part of the fluid supplying mechanism is permanently cememted or otherwise joined to the film unit frame and cooperates with the leading end of the recording unit in a manner suitable for discharging the processing composition between the photosensitive element and the process sheet. In the illustrative film units, for example, the container or pod is illustrated with its trailing discharge or funnel end inserted into a space or slot provided between the photosensitive sheet and the process sheet at the leading edge of the image-recording unit.

The trap bar 29 at the trailing end of the frame is provided with a shallow rearwardly facing trap or collector recess 42. The leading edge 43 of the vapor-impermeable trap cover sheet 27 overlies the trailing end of the image-recording unit, and the other three edges of sheet 27 are cemented or otherwise permanently attached to the frame. Excess processing fluid extruded out of the trailing end of the image-recording unit is therefore received and stored in the collector chamber or trap provided by the substantially sealed recess 42.

The film units described above are preferably supplied in a film pack comprising a plurality of such units loaded into a casing 44, best shown in FIG. 5. The casing is made of plastic or sheet metal and comprises side walls 45, a trailing end wall 46, a partial leading end wall 47 and a rearward wall 48. Wall 48 is provided with a rectangular opening 49 adjacent to end wall 47 and with a narrow transverse slot 51 adjacent to end wall 46. Lateral retaining lips 52 project inwardly from the forward edges of the side walls, and a similar end retaining lip 53 likewise projects inwardly from the forward edge of end wall 46.

FIGS. 7 through 10 illustrate a fully loaded-film pack which is depicted as comprising a film unit assemblage including five film units 21 initially located behind a disposable maskstrip 54. Mask strip 54 comprises a flexible strip of strong opaque paper or plastic for protecting the film units from ambient light and dust be fore the film pack is loaded into the camera. Four leaf springs 56 are formed integrally with the rearward wall 48 of the film pack casing and bias the film unit assemblage forwardly into contact with lips 52 and 53 at the front of casing 44. Because end wall 47 is narrower in a forward-to-rearward direction than the film pack casing, it will be seen that the foiwardmost film unit of the film unit assemblage can he slid out of the leading end of the film pack and can be returned to the film pack behind the last film unit by being inserted into the casing between end wall 47 and rearward casing wall 48.

The illustrative camera shown in FIGS. 6 through 14 comprises a housing 57 provided with a conventional lens 58 and it shutter mechanism, not shown. As described in greater-detail below, its drawer or frame transporter 59 is slidably carried within the camera housing by means of dovetail slides 61 extending along the drawer side bars 62 and received in mating grooves in housing 57. The end wall 63 of the drawer is accessible from the exterior of the camera and is adapted to be grasped to allow the drawer to be slid manually between its open and closed positions, shown respectively in FIGS. 12 and 7. The camera housing also includes a slidably supported loading door 64 that can be slid open after the drawer 59 has been moved to its open position. When the door is closed, it is held in that position by an appropriate latch or detent device, not shown.

To install the film pack in the camera, the drawer and the loading door are opened and the film pack is inserted into the interior of the camera housing as best illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8. In this position the forward lip 53 of the film pack casing is in contact with a rearwardly facing positioning surface 65 of the camera housing, and an end lip 66 along the rearward edge of casing wall 47 is similarly in contact with the rearwardly facing surface of a rigid internal support bar 67 mounted on the camera housing behind the side bars 62 of the drawer. The side walls 45 of the film pack casing are straddled by guide surfaces 68 integral with the camera housing, and the respective film pack end walls 46 and 47 are likewise straddled by locating tongue 69 of the housing and by support bar 67. When the loading door is closed, a pair of leaf springs 71 on that door engage the rearward wall 48 of casing 44 and resiliently seat the film pack against surface 65 and support bar 67 thereby accurately establishing the position of the film pack with respect to the camera lens-so that the emulsion surface of a film unit in exposure position in the film pack is-coincident with a focal plane of the camera lens. The end of mask strip 54 extends out of the camera housing through a slot 72 provided between the inner end of door 64 and the adjacent surface of the camera housing. A soft compressible opaque pad 73 is attached to the housing along slot 72 to prevent light from entering the camera through that slot after the mask strip has been withdrawn and discarded as the final step in the camera loading operation.

The pressure-applying members of the illustrative camera, which are most clearly depicted in FIGS. 9 and 13, comprise a forward pressure bar 74 and a rearward pressure roller 75. The forward pressure bar is provided with an arcuate rearward face 76 and is partially received in a slot 77 in the camera housing. A leaf spring 78 is compressed between the bottom'of the slot and the rearward face of the pressure bar to urge the latter rearwardly. Roller 75 is rotatably carried in a U- shaped metal bracket 79 that in turn is received in a rectangular opening 81 in supportblock 82 mounted on support bar 67. A leaf spring 83, compressed between bracket 79 and support bar 67, urges the roller forwardly toward pressure bar 74, with which it is aligned. Accordingly, it will be seen that the two pressure members are urged toward resilient contact with one another by springs 78 and 83 to provide a pressure nip in endwise alignment with the forwardmost film unit in the film pack.

Stripper member 84 projects rearwardly through an opening 85 in support bar 67 and extends into an open ended slot 86 in support block 82. A pair of cam follower pins 87, shown in FIGS. l0, l3 and 14, project beyond the ends of the stripper member and are slidably received in corresponding opposed cam slots 88 extending along the inner faces of the drawer side bars 62. As shown at numeral 89, the stripper bar is provided with a pair of rearwardly projecting stripper fingers best depicted in FIGS. 13 and 14. As described in detail below, these fingers are adapted to be received between the side rails of a film unit to effect separation of the image-recording unit from the film unit frame.

By reference to FIGS. through 12, it will be apparent that the side bars 62 of drawer 59 are located adjacent to but out of contact with the film pack loaded into the camera. Along their forward edges, the drawer side bars are provided with inwardly facing ribs 91 which lie forwardly of the film pack lips 52 when .the drawer. is in its closed position. Each rib 91 is provided with a light leaf spring 92 that is'compressed between that rib and the adjacent film pack lip 52 when the drawer is closed. Because of the relative weakness of springs 92 compared to door springs 71, however, the former springs have no effect on the accurate positioning of the film pack within the camera housing. Toward appropriate camera mechanism in opposition to the resilient influence of springs 78 and 83. By reference to FIG. 9, it will be seen that hooks 93 are located beyond the ends of pressure bar 74 so that they can push the film unit completely through and past the pressure nip. The movement of each film unit between the pressure members causes roller to rupture the seal at the edge of the processing pod received between the two sheets of the image-recording unit and to extrude processing fluid between those sheets. As the sheets themselves then pass between the pressure-applying members, the processing fluid is uniformly distributed between them to initiate development of the photographic image. As shown in FIGS. 4.and 9, roller 75 is preferably stepped to provide a smaller diameter central portion which definesthe thickness of the layer of fluid distributed between the sheets. Excess processing fluid is discharged from the trailing end of the imagerecording unit and is received in the collector chamber mentioned US. Pat. Application Ser. No. l 1 1,472.

As the drawer is being opened, the free ends of leaf springs 92 move beyond the film pack lips 52 and into engagement with the side rails of the moving film unit. By the time the drawer reaches the almost completely open position shown by broken lines in FIG. 12, the trailing end of that film unit has moved past the pressure nip and rests on support block 82. Concurrently, springs 92 have tilted the film unit rearwardly so that its leading edge rests against forwardly facing surface 94 of the drawers partial rear wall member 95. The fully open position of the drawer is illustrated in solid lines in FIG. 12 and is established by the abutment of lugs 96 at the ends of the drawer ,side bars with stop screws 97 shown in FIG. 10. The completionof the drawer opening movement causes hooks 93 to move the trailing edge of the processed film unit beyond the edge of support block 82, whereupon the resilient force of springs 92 causes the trailing edge of that unit to move rearwardly into contact with marginal support surfaces 98 on the cover door. In this position, the rearward face of the film unit is coplanar with the inner surface of the rearward casing wall 48, and the edges of its trailing end are located between converging lateral guide surfaces 99 defined by the door.

As the closing movement of the drawer commences, the leading edge of the processed film unit is engaged by a shoulder 101 of drawer wall member 95, which drives the film unit toward the film pack casing. As the closing movement of the drawer commences, the cam follower pins 87 on the stripper member are located along the forwardly disposed end portions 102 of cam slots 88, as shown in FIG. 13, thereby locating the stripper fingers 89 at an inoperative position forwardly of the film unit. As the movement of the drawer proceeds, however, pins 87 are cammed rearwardly by the sloped portions 103 of the cam slots and enter the rearward central portions 104 of those slots. Because of the predetermined relation between the cam slots and the film unit being moved by the drawer, the stripper member is thus displaced rearwardly so that the stripper fingers engage the image-recording unit just beyond the trap bar. Accordingly, the stripper fingers press the corresponding end of the image-recording unit out of engagement with the frame rails as the fingers are positively driven to the operative position shown in FIG. 14, thereby aligning the free end of the image-recording unit with a slot 105 in loading door 64. Simultaneously, the trap end of the film unit is guided toward reentry into the film pack casing by the cooperation of marginal support surfaces 98 and the converging lateral guide surfaces 99.

Continuing closing movement'of the drawer causes the free end of the image-recording unit to pass through slot 105 by displacing a flexible closure flap 106. When the pod support bar has almost reached the stripper fingers, the processed image-recording unit is completely separated from the film unit frame and its pod and trap, and is temporarily held in slot 105 by flap 106 so that the photographer can remove it from the camera at his convenience. At the same time, the sloped portion 107 of the cam slots have arrived at the stripper member pins 87 and move that member forwardly so that the stripper fingers are again beyond the path of movement of the pod support bar. Because pins 87 on the stripper member are permanently received in cam slots 88, the opening movement of the drawer also causes the stripper member to move back and forth between its operative and inoperative positions, but such movement has no influence on the film processing operation.

When the drawer reaches its closed position, shoulder 101 has moved the frame of the processed film unit completely into the film pack casing wall 47, whereupon springs 56 move the frame forwardly into contact with the last film unit. During the closing movement of the drawer, the hooks 93 on the drawer lips engage the side rails of the next available film unit and temporarily displace the latter rearwardly by overcoming the biasing influence of springs 56. However, because of the spacing initially provided between the film units and the rearward edge of casing wall 47, the temporary rearward displacement of the film units does not interfere with the movement of the exhausted film unit back into the film pack casing.

When the drawer is completely closed, hooks 93 are located beyond the trailing edge of the next available film unit, which is then properly positioned for exposure. After such exposure has been completed, the subsequent opening and closing of the drawer moves that film unit between the pressure rollers and then returns it to the film pack as just described. Thus, it will be apparent that each film unit, in turn, can be exposed and processed in the same manner.

AN ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT The alternative embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. through 18 is adapted to be incorporated in a camera of the same general type described above, but derives its actuating motion directly from the moving film unit frame rather than from cam means carried by the frame transporting drawer.

By reference to FIG. 15, a stripping device according to this embodiment of the invention comprises a stripper roller 111 rotatably supported between arms 112 of a bracket member 113. A pivot rod 114 pivotally attaches the bracket member to the camera housing, not shown, and a light spring 115 biases roller 111 forwardly to its inoperative position at which it is located slightly ahead of the path along which a film unit 21 is returned to the film pack casing. When the roller is in its inoperative position prior to the arrival of the film unit, the tips of a pair of actuating fingers 116 of bracket member 1 13 are positioned as shown in FIG. 16, in endwise alignment with the trap bar 29 of frame 22.

. By the time the edge of the trap bar reaches the actuating fingers 116, the trap bar has almost moved past roller 111. Thereupon, as the film unit continues its movement, the edge of the trap bar displaces the bracket member as shown in FIG. 17, thus forcingthe roller between the side rails'of the frame and causing the enlarged ends of the roller to push the adjacent end of the image-recording unit 23 away from the frame and into alignment with door slot 105. Until the trap bar moves beyond engagement with fingers 116, those fingers ride along the forward surface of that bar and maintain roller 111 in its operative position. Thereupon, the fingers enter between the frame rails and allow the roller to be returned to its inoperative position by spring 115. By the time this occurs, however, the free end of the image-recording unit is passing through slot 105, which then serves to pull the remainder of the image-recording unit out of engagement with the frame rails. When the actuating fingers are encountered by the pod support bar as illustrated in FIG. 18, the roller is again urged to its operative position in the manner shown in FIG. 19, but by this time the frame has moved beyond the roller so that the latter cannot interfere with the final movement of the frame past the stripper device.

It should now be apparent that the illustrated embodiments of the present invention provide photographic apparatus for removing an image-recording element of a film unit from a carrier to which the element is coupled. In accordance with certain features, the element is removed in a positive, firm or inflexible manner, as distinguished from the use of resilient spring forces. In accordance with other features, the removing forces are translated to the film unit from a transporting mechanism of the apparatus. As illustrated, that transporting mechanism applies a force to the film unit, for effecting its movement along a first predetermined path, and a component of the same force is translated to a stripping member engageable with. the imagerecording element, for moving the member in a different path that pushes the element away from the carrier,

'The invention has been described in detail with particular reference to the illustrated preferred and alternative embodiments thereof, but it will be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of the invention.

I claim: 1

1. Photographic apparatus for use with a film unit having an image-recording element and a carrier to which the image-recording element is removably coupled, said apparatus comprising:

a transporting mechanism for applying a force to the film unit to effect movement of the carrier and image-recording element in the said apparatus;

means for directing movement of the carrier along a first path; v

a stripping mechanism including a member defining a portion engageable with the image-recording element, said portion being moveable in a second path different from said first path for removing the image-recording element fromthe carrier; and means for translating said force from said transporting mechanism to said member to effect movement of said portion in said second path. 2. A photographic camera for effecting exposure and for initiating processing of a self-processing film unit including an image-recording element releasably coupled to a carrier, said camera comprising:

" locating means for locating the film unit in a position for the exposure; v

a pair of juxtaposed pressure-applying members spaced from said locating means for initiating the processing;

a transporting mechanism for effecting initial motion of the film unit along a first path from said position and between said members, and for effecting further. motion of the film unit along a second path substantially parallel with said first path;

a stripping mechanism proximate to said second path unit for translating said portion of said further motion of the film unit to said movement of said stripping member, said abutment surface being engageable with the image-recording element to release the element from the carrier.

4. The camera claimed in claim 2, wherein said control mechanism includes a mechanical linkage between said transporting mechanism and said stripping mechanism.

5. The camera claimed in claim 2, wherein said transporting mechanism includes a rectilinearly reciprocatable member and wherein said control mechanism includes cooperating camming surfaces on said reciprocatable member and said stripping member.

6. A photographic camera for exposing and for initiating processing of a self-processing film unit including an image-recording element and a carrier, the carrier having a first side to which the image-recording element is releasably coupled, a second side opposite to the first side, and means defining an aperture extending between the first and second sides, said camera comprising:

a stripping mechanism including means defining a moveable abutment surface for engaging the image-recording element through the aperture in the carrier and for releasing the image-recording element from the carrier; a transporting mechanism for effecting movement of one of the film unit and said stripping mechanism relative to the other of the film unit and said stripping mechanism along a substantially rectilinear movement path from a first location to a second location; and i a control mechanism having first and second conditions dependent on said first and second locations, respectively, said control mechanism in said first condition maintaining said abutment surface in a first position outside said movement path, said control mechanism in said second condition effecting movement of said abutment surface to a second position inside said movement path for engaging the image-recording element -through the aperture in the carrier and for releasing the imagerecording element from the carrier.

7. The camera claimed in claim 6 wherein said abutment surface is moveable to said second position in a direction substantially perpendicular to said movement path.

8. The camera claimed in claim 7, wherein said transporting mechanism includes a slidable element for engaging and moving the film unit and wherein said control mechanism includes cooperating surfaces on said slidable element and said stripping mechanism for controlling the movement of said abutment surface.

9. The camera claimed in claim 7 wherein said control mechanism includes urging means for resiliently urging said abutment surface toward said first position and wherein said control mechanism effects movement of said abutment surface to said second position in opposition to said urging means.

10. The camera claimed in claim 9 wherein said stripping and control mechanisms further include a member mounted for pivotal movement about a pivot point and having first and second end portions on opposite sides of said pivot point, wherein said means defining said abutment surface includes said first end portion, and wherein said control mechanism includes said second end portion.

11. In a photographic camera adapted to expose and process a film unit having a substantially flexible imagerecording portion and a substantially rigid frame, the frame defining a first side to which the image-recording portion is separably coupled, an exposure aperture, and a second side from which the image-recording portion is adapted to be exposed through the aperture, the film unit being moveable in said camera along a predetermined movement path substantially parallel to the first side during separation of the image-recording portion from the frame, an improvement comprising:

a. a stripper member moveable in directions substantially perpendicular to the movement path between 1. a first position adjacent to the movement path and 2. a second position extending across the movement path to engage the image-recording portion through the aperture from its second side for displacing and separating the image-recording portion from a frame and stripper member, said cam follower being engageable by said cam surface to translate sliding movement of said transporter member into movement of said stripper member.

13. The improvement claimed in claim 12 wherein said transporter member slidably moves in a first rectilinear direction andwherein said cam surface and said cam follower translate the sliding movement of said transporter member into sliding movement of said stripper member in a second rectilinear direction subrectilinear.

stantially perpendicular to said first direction.

14. The improvement claimed in claim 11 wherein said stripper member is pivotally moveable between said first and second positions and wherein said moving means includes a control member extending into the movement path when said stripper member is in said first position, said control member being engageable and displaceable by the frame during the movement of the film unit along the movement path to move said stripper member to said second position.

15. The improvement claimed in claim 14, wherein said stripper member includes a roller rotatably supported by said control member.

' 16. The improvement claimed in claim 14 further comprising resilient biasing means connected to said control member for resiliently biasing said stripper member toward said first position.

P040530 UNITEE S'IA'llEfi PATENT @FFI CE QER'HWQA JPE @EF @QRREQ'NfiN mm No. 9, W October 24. 1972 lnventorw) Guilford Edwin Kindig It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters latent are hereby corrected as shown below:

F a Because some line numbers in the patent are not correctly registered with the lines referred to, all line numbers cited below are by actual count from the top of each column.)

In Col. 4, line 43, delete "to persons"; line 49, after "to" insert ---persons. In Col. 6, line 37, change "it". to -'its--;' line 38, change "its" to -a--'. In Col, 9, line 36, after "casing" insert --beyond casing--. In Col. 11, line 3, delete "the"; line 48, delete the comma; line 52, delete the comma. In Col. l2 line 65, change "a" to --the-. In Col. 14, line 13, delete the comma. I

Signed and Sealedithis 29th day of May 1973 (SEAL) Att-est:

EDWARD M.FLETCHER,JR. ROBERT GOTTSCHALK Attesting' Officer Commissioner of Patents P040510 'UNHEE STATE PATENT @FFEQE I I, k '4 @ERTHECATE @F @RRECTEN Patent No. 9, Dated October 24., 1972 Inventorw) Guilford Edwin Kindig It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

R Because some line numbers in the patent are not correctly registered With the lines referred to all line numbers cited below are by actual count from the top of each column.)

In Col. 4, line 43, delete "to persons"; line 49, after "to" insert -persons. In Col. 6 line 37, change "it". to -'-its-; line 38, change "its" to --a--. InCol 9, line 36 after "casing" insert --bey0nd casing--. In Col. 11, line 3, delete "the"; line 48, delete the comma; line 52, delete the com In Col. 12 line 65, change "a" to --the-. In Col. 14, line i3, delete the conima.

Signed and sealed this 29th day of May 1973 (SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD M.FLETCHER,JR. ROBERT GOTTSCHALK Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents 

1. Photographic apparatus for use with a film unit having an image-recording element and a carrier to which the imagerecording element is removably coupled, said apparatus comprising: a transporting mechanism for applying a force to the film unit to effect movement of the carrier and image-recording element in the said apparatus; means for directing movement of the carrier along a first path; a stripping mechanism including a member defining a portion engageable with the image-recording element, said portion being moveable in a second path different from said first path for removing the image-recording element from the carrier; and means for translating said force from said transporting mechanism to said member to effect movement of said portion in said second path.
 2. A photographic camera for effecting exposure and for initiating processing of a self-processing film unit including an image-recording element releasably coupled to a carrier, said camera comprising: locating means for locating the film unit in a position for the exposure; a pair of juxtaposed pressure-applying members spaced from said locating means for initiating the processing; a transporting mechanism for effecting initial motion of the film unit along a first path from said position and between said members, and for effecting further motion of the film unit along a second path substantially parallel with said first path; a stripping mechanism proximate to said second path and including a stripping member mounted for movement in a direction substantially perpendicular to said second path for engaging the image-recording element to release the element from the carrier; and a control mechanism including translating means for translating a portion of said further motion of the film unit to said movement of said stripping member.
 2. a second position extending across the movement path to engage the image-recording portion through the aperture from its second side for displacing and separating the image-recording portion from a frame and b. moving means for positively moving said stripper member from said first position to said second position in predetermined coordination with movement of the film unit along the movement path.
 3. The camera claimed in claim 2 wherein said translating means includes means defining a cam surface coupled to said stripping member and wherein said stripping member includes an abutment surface, said cam sUrface being engageable and movable by the film unit for translating said portion of said further motion of the film unit to said movement of said stripping member, said abutment surface being engageable with the image-recording element to release the element from the carrier.
 4. The camera claimed in claim 2, wherein said control mechanism includes a mechanical linkage between said transporting mechanism and said stripping mechanism.
 5. The camera claimed in claim 2, wherein said transporting mechanism includes a rectilinearly reciprocatable member and wherein said control mechanism includes cooperating camming surfaces on said reciprocatable member and said stripping member.
 6. A photographic camera for exposing and for initiating processing of a self-processing film unit including an image-recording element and a carrier, the carrier having a first side to which the image-recording element is releasably coupled, a second side opposite to the first side, and means defining an aperture extending between the first and second sides, said camera comprising: a stripping mechanism including means defining a moveable abutment surface for engaging the image-recording element through the aperture in the carrier and for releasing the image-recording element from the carrier; a transporting mechanism for effecting movement of one of the film unit and said stripping mechanism relative to the other of the film unit and said stripping mechanism along a substantially rectilinear movement path from a first location to a second location; and a control mechanism having first and second conditions dependent on said first and second locations, respectively, said control mechanism in said first condition maintaining said abutment surface in a first position outside said movement path, said control mechanism in said second condition effecting movement of said abutment surface to a second position inside said movement path for engaging the image-recording element through the aperture in the carrier and for releasing the image-recording element from the carrier.
 7. The camera claimed in claim 6 wherein said abutment surface is moveable to said second position in a direction substantially perpendicular to said movement path.
 8. The camera claimed in claim 7, wherein said transporting mechanism includes a slidable element for engaging and moving the film unit and wherein said control mechanism includes cooperating surfaces on said slidable element and said stripping mechanism for controlling the movement of said abutment surface.
 9. The camera claimed in claim 7 wherein said control mechanism includes urging means for resiliently urging said abutment surface toward said first position and wherein said control mechanism effects movement of said abutment surface to said second position in opposition to said urging means.
 10. The camera claimed in claim 9 wherein said stripping and control mechanisms further include a member mounted for pivotal movement about a pivot point and having first and second end portions on opposite sides of said pivot point, wherein said means defining said abutment surface includes said first end portion, and wherein said control mechanism includes said second end portion.
 11. In a photographic camera adapted to expose and process a film unit having a substantially flexible image-recording portion and a substantially rigid frame, the frame defining a first side to which the image-recording portion is separably coupled, an exposure aperture, and a second side from which the image-recording portion is adapted to be exposed through the aperture, the film unit being moveable in said camera along a predetermined movement path substantially parallel to the first side during separation of the image-recording portion from the frame, an improvement comprising: a. a stripper member moveable in directions substantially perpendicular to the movement path between
 12. The improvement claimed in claim 11 wherein said camera includes a slidably moveable transporter member adapted to move the film unit along the movement path past said stripper member and wherein said moving means includes a cam surface on said transporter member and a cam follower connected to said stripper member, said cam follower being engageable by said cam surface to translate sliding movement of said transporter member into movement of said stripper member.
 13. The improvement claimed in claim 12 wherein said transporter member slidably moves in a first rectilinear direction and wherein said cam surface and said cam follower translate the sliding movement of said transporter member into sliding movement of said stripper member in a second rectilinear direction substantially perpendicular to said first rectilinear direction.
 14. The improvement claimed in claim 11 wherein said stripper member is pivotally moveable between said first and second positions and wherein said moving means includes a control member extending into the movement path when said stripper member is in said first position, said control member being engageable and displaceable by the frame during the movement of the film unit along the movement path to move said stripper member to said second position.
 15. The improvement claimed in claim 14, wherein said stripper member includes a roller rotatably supported by said control member.
 16. The improvement claimed in claim 14 further comprising resilient biasing means connected to said control member for resiliently biasing said stripper member toward said first position. 